5 Colorado State Fair Milestones
Here are five key moments in the history of the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo.
It is one of the state’s oldest traditions and a sure sign that the Colorado State Fair season has begun.
The 2024 Colorado State Fair Parade in downtown Pueblo begins at 10 a.m. on August 24. About 100 participants representing local businesses, nonprofits, high schools, colleges and political candidates will march along sections of Union Avenue and Main Street.
“We are planning a great event with great weather,” Duane Nava, president of the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, told the chief“We’re hoping for a great crowd, a really great Colorado State Fair Parade and another event where people can come out and have fun and really kick off a great State Fair.”
The first female president of Pueblo Community College will serve as grand marshal and a retired educator with 40 years of experience will serve as parade marshal. Although the parade begins at 10 a.m., Nava recommends people come early to secure their spot, as thousands of visitors have come to see the 2023 Colorado State Fair Parade.
Here’s what you need to know about this year’s parade.
Where can you park and where can you watch the parade?
The parade begins at the corner of B Street and South Union Avenue and moves northeast along Union Avenue until it reaches the intersection with City Center Drive. At the intersection, the parade turns right before turning onto Main Street. The parade continues north along Main Street before stopping at the intersection with Eighth Street.
Parking is available in public lots near several areas along the parade route, including the lots near the intersection of West D. Street and South Victoria Avenue, the 3rd Street parking garage west of Court Street, and the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce parking lot. A comprehensive map of the parking lots and parade route can be found on the Great Pueblo Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
Those who cannot attend the parade in person can also watch the event via livestream, presented by the PCC Center for New Media and the Pueblo Community Health Center. The livestream is available on the Pueblo Community College Facebook page.
Who are the stewards of the 2024 Colorado State Fair Parade?
Grand Marshal Patty Erjavec became PCC’s first female president in June 2010. She led the college for 14 years before retiring in May of this year. During her time at PCC, the Pueblo native helped expand the college’s offerings to include 30 associate degree programs and seven bachelor’s degree programs.
Joining Erjavec is Parade Marshal Ed Smith. Smith served as superintendent of Pueblo County School District 70 before retiring in 2023. In his 40 years in public education, he also served as assistant principal, athletic director, assistant superintendent, custodian, principal and teacher.
Who else will participate in the parade?
Since it is an election year, several political campaigns will participate in the parade, including those of Democratic congressional candidate Adam Frisch, his Republican opponent Jeff Hurd, Pueblo District Attorney candidate Kala Beauvais and Pueblo County County Commissioner candidate Paula McPheeters. The Pueblo County Democratic and Republican parties will also participate in the parade with floats.
School spirit will be in full force with numerous marching bands and cheerleading teams from high schools in and outside of the Steel City. A wide range of participants, from the American Legion Post 2 to the Wiggles ‘N Wonders Playschool, will round out the parade program.
The Kiwanis Club of Pueblo will award cash prizes to youth parade participants for first, second, and third place.
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Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at [email protected]. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com
